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SleepQuest travels to Washington, D.C. to advocate increased awareness of sleep problems and fatigue

National Sleep Awareness Week took place March 26 - April 1st. A team from SleepQuest took this opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to lobby and educate legislative officials on the wide scope of sleep problems, and the critical need for sleep education to the public and to health providers. SleepQuest President Robert Koenigsberg, and staff members Patty Tucker, PA-C and Eileen Leary joined SleepQuest Scientific Advisor William C. Dement, M.D in these efforts.

These issues are vital in SleepQuest's mission to effectively help those with sleep disorders. We have worked with thousands of patients, and clearly see how pervasive is the lack of public sleep education. We hear countless stories of how patients' sleep complaints were ignored or misdiagnosed (see related article on Primary Care Physicians). Often it is many years before a person is able to find clear answers and treatment for his or her problems. The consequences of this can be life threatening. According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders, an estimated 90% (or more) of those who suffer from Sleep Apnea are undiagnosed.

Our SleepQuest volunteers in Washington joined the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and other sleep professionals in their advocacy efforts with policy makers. Meetings were held with representatives from the offices of Senators Barbara Boxer (CA) and Diane Feinstein (CA), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA) and Congressman George Nethercutt (WA).

A key issue brought to the policy makers was regarding funding for public education. While public awareness has been raised, a strong federal partner with the expertise and ability to disseminate education to communities is desperately needed. We believe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that partner. Funding of $1.5 million dollars is being requested for the CDC's 2002 budget, to develop and implement a five-year Sleep Action Plan.

The SleepQuest team also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the NSF Gala Award Banquet, and took part in honoring Dr. Dement as the recipient of the National Lifetime Achievement Award (see related story). It was truly an exciting event, and we are proud to work with Dr. Dement in his tireless efforts to combat sleepiness and sleep disorders.

The NSF released its annual "Sleep in America" poll. This survey of people across the country is a frequently cited source of information on America's sleep habits. Among its findings:

More than one-third of adults (38%) report they snore at least a few nights/week, a problem associated with sleep apnea. Snoring is more prevalent in men (45% vs. 30%), those who are overweight or obese (48% vs. 24%), married adults (42% vs. 31%), and residents of the South (45%). Nearly half of those with hypertension/high blood pressure (46%), and more than half of people with diabetes (53%) say they snore.
One in 10 adults (9%) report experiencing pauses in breathing or sleep apnea at least a few times/week. The prevalence of sleep apnea is significantly higher for those diagnosed with heart disease (22%), arthritis (20%), males (11% vs. 6% of females), and obese adults (14% vs. 7% who are overweight and ideal/underweight).
About one-half of all adults (51%) say they experience frequent symptoms of insomnia, though only 6% have been diagnosed. The most prevalent insomnia symptoms are waking up feeling un-refreshed (34%) and awakenings frequently during the night (32%).
One in 10 adults (13%) report symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS); frequent limb movements during wake that disrupt sleep. RLS is more prevalent in households with incomes of $35,000 or less (18% vs. 9%), with adults who have lower levels of marital satisfaction (19% vs.10%), and among people with diabetes (29%), arthritis (25%), depression, and heart disease (23%).

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